Identifying Parkinson's Disease Early Signs by Dr Animesh Kar, Senior Consultant-Neurology, Narayana RN Tagore, Hospital, Mukundapur

News Desk, News Nation 360: The global theme of World Parkinson's Day 2026, which was commemorated on April 11, was "Bridge the Care Gap," emphasising the vital need for fair access to long-term neurological care and diagnosis. Leading medical facilities and non-governmental organisations in India, such as Parkinson's Society India and Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital, started awareness efforts to debunk the widespread misconception that Parkinson's is only a tremor-related illness. Over 1.2 million people in India currently have the illness, according to experts, and a sizable portion of cases are now being detected in younger people between the ages of 20 and 50. Specialised health lectures and screening camps were held in Siliguri and Kolkata to inform the people about "non-motor" early warning signals, which can occur years before physical tremors. These signs include loss of smell, sleep difficulties, and micrographia (tiny handwriting). The 2026 efforts seek to maintain patient autonomy and lessen the social stigma sometimes attached to chronic neurological illnesses by combining cutting-edge treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) with comprehensive supportive therapies like physiotherapy and speech rehabilitation.

Pic - Courtesy